1. We don’t remember what it’s like not to feel afraid.
2. We’re not afraid of telling stories. We’re afraid of what will happen when other people read them.
3. Many of us are afraid of being wrong somehow … even when we’re just stating our own opinions.
4. But we keep doing it anyway. Because that’s how writers grow.
5. We don’t want to fail. For many of us, that alone is enough to keep the words coming.
6. We work harder than we have to. It’s almost always worth it. Almost.
7. We try to learn how to be patient with ourselves. It’s OK to be afraid. We just don’t want it to consume us.
8. We are brave. Even when we don’t feel like it. It takes courage to expose your thoughts and ideas for the whole world to see.
9. It’s been years. We’re still terrified when we sit down to write; as we’re writing; as we’re introducing the world to the things we’ve made for the first time.
10. We persist despite that fear … but also BECAUSE of it.
11. For without fear, where would we find the motivation to tell the stories that change the world?
12. You can be afraid and still achieve great things. We are all doing it. It’s what makes our futures so much brighter than they’d otherwise be.
Meg is the creator of Novelty Revisions, dedicated to helping writers put their ideas into words. She is an editor and writer, and a 12-time NaNoWriMo winner. Follow Meg on Twitter for tweets about writing, food, and Star Wars.
Meg Dowell Writes 
I am lazy and afraid. A terrible combination. But I think you make great points–it’s like acknowledging your fear and letting it sort of sit in the room while you work as long as it behaves itself.
Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out this post from the Novelty Revisions blog with 12 Secrets of the Most Fearful – and Successful – Writers
I find great appreciation for #8. Stepping out from our inner fears and insecurities to write for others to read, genuinely brings growth and maturity.